The Tattooist of Auschwitz

I admire Heather's work to capture the lived experience of survivors. The relatively privileged role of the Tätowierer is one I have not read about before, outside of the extensive hype around this book. For me the best parts were Lale's interactions with a certain Dr, his guardian B, and characters like Nadya. The writing leaves a lot to be desired. I think it's worth reading, with an open mind.
It's a dramatic bio, with so many bizarre but certainly true events, bundled into a shallow dive into a person's character. I imagine the trauma prevented a deeper dive, which brings me to my next point.
Clunky random references to an oedipal complex and an obsession with women left a sour taste in my mouth. The author even thanks her 18yr daughter for letting 90 year old Lale flirt with her during the interview process. Weird.

Oh what could have been... At first I thought “well, the pacing is a bit strange, but maybe that's because it's an adaptation of a diary and they're trying to fill in the time gaps.” Then there were some convenient scenarios and I thought “Hmm. something is up.” Then at the halfway point, things seemed a little too neat and forgiving. That's when I did some searching. This was a dramatized fiction book based on a real person. What a disappointment. With my eyes open, I saw all the gaps that were hovering just out of sight. Lack of character development, love at first sight, convenient character relationships, holocaust setting for added drama.... And conveniently written for an easy film adaptation. This is just a money grab trying to pinch a few more pennies out of anyone who want to experience the suffering of the holocaust from the comfort of their own home.

tldr: This book is just a typical YA novel, that is trying to use “based on a true story of a holocaust survivor” as a marketing tool to make money.

Been meaning to read this one for a while now and finally caught it in ebook format. It's a great story and I love that it's based in a true relationship. At the same time, could we get some well known books with Jewish characters that aren't about the Holocaust? It's not something to forget, but maybe we could have stories where these folks get to just exist?

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a very powerful read. Based on a true story the book is about Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, sent to the concentration camp, Auschwitz, in April 1942. Determined to survive he uses his charm, and ability to speak several languages and works at keeping useful. Eventually he is put to work as the tattooist of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Struggling with the moral integrity of the job, being the tattooist has more rations, better sleeping arraignments, and more freedom to move around the camp. Lale uses his fortunate position helping his fellow prisoners stay alive exchanging money and jewels from murdered Jews for food and medicine. While tattooing one day he meets Gita and instantly fall for her. He swears they will survive the camp and marry. This is their story.

This book is a story of resilience and love. While, we are familiar with the horrific time period and the conditions endured by so many, Morris's retelling of Lale's story is a reminder of the strength, courage, and fight for life and love. It is a hard book to review. This book was well-written, stirring up so many emotions and Lale's story will stay with me. At times, hard to read, but impossible to put down. Thank you Heather Morris for helping bring Lale and Gita's story to light.


ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris will be published by Harper Paperbacks on September 4th, 2018.

The book shed light on the atrocities committed by humans seeking power, particularly the harrowing events that took place in the camps. Such cruelty is something no one should ever have to endure, regardless of the circumstances. The fate of the oppressed, as described in the book, was presented in a critical yet gruesome manner, leaving a lasting impression and sending shivers down my spine. It serves as a poignant reminder of the darker aspects of our history and the importance of learning from our past to create a better future for all.

While I found it thought-provoking and informative, I must admit that the epilogue left me feeling upset. It delved into the establishment of a state of Israel, a historical event that we know was marred by suffering and oppression. All I have to say is It's disheartening to see that those who were once oppressed have, in turn, become the oppressors. Sigh!

The stories of survival during this time period are amazing and how Lale and Gita managed to accomplish is no exception, however I wish this book had been written with more emotion. It felt like a monotone retelling of individual incidents. I gave it four stars because of the story behind it all but wish the telling of it had been better.

There are no words to describe the sadness and the poignancy of such a story followed by the author's notes and the afterword detailing how the setting down on paper of this story came about and then how the two main characters went on to build a life of enduring love together. A story about some of the darkest moments in history and what it takes to survive that. If you're considering reading this book, may I suggest listening to the audiobook by Richard Armitage? It will add a totally new dimension to the atmosphere of the book.

I feel, that this book is written for movies or series. the writing style is moreover follows a movie script/ screenplay fit format. The only problem for me is that the book follows too descriptive following of day after day routine in the camp, which distracts and bored me at times. And Lale-Gita's sharing of love is not that much glued for me.

I really enjoyed the story of Lali and Gita. I'm not sure how much poetic license was taken with the story as I have seen a lot of people claiming it wasn't factual. But it really doesn't matter. It is a good story either way and told from the perspective of someone doing a job we do not necessarily think about when we think of the atrocities of WWII. Some people would say Lali was forced to do something horrendous to save his life, others would simply see him as a collaborator. I don't think anyone who wasn't there or who hasn't been put in that position should judge.

I'm going to need an emotional cleanse after this one. As a love story amidst the chaos and heartbreak of Auschwitz, I guess emotion is to be expected. I love how cheeky and confident Lale is the entire story. His self assurance is never broken throughout. I wish the author had been able to interview Gita before she passed. I found her personality to be lacking as she was presented through Lale's rose colored view of her. It wasn't clear as to what it was about her that made Lale so enamored. He just was.

I think any survivor's story deserves to be told and Lale and Gita's is no different. There are so many books out there around WW2 and the atrocities committed by the Nazis, so I liked that this veered more towards the hope people have and the love that can form in such a harrowing place.

As others have said, the writing wasn't the best. The author was a screen writer and the story did often read like a script with very to the point sentences and little depth to the characters.

Overall I'm glad I read this and Richard Armitage once again was a brilliant narrator on the audiobook.

Beautiful story centered on the background of ugly human history.

While the book doesn't spare you (at all) from the horrors of Auschwitz, the story in the forefront is one of strength, the goodness of (some) humanity, and love. There's also an interesting juxtaposition of Laly's strength of will + losing faith versus Gita's strength in faith + losing hope.

I listened to the audio version narrated by Richard Armitage and he did an amazing job of capturing the characters, accents, and emotions.

Just finished this. Not necessarily the best written of books but the story itself is powerful. Two questions are asked. How does one keep one's humanity in the midst of inhuman cruelty and barbarism. And what will a person do, including compromising their own integrity, to save and protect themselves and others when faced with the daily reality of beatings, torture, rape and murder. Unless we ourselves have been in a concentration camp the answers are not so simple.